The Vauxhall A 14 XER is a 1,399 cc, inline‑four naturally aspirated petrol engine produced between 2005 and 2013. It features a double overhead camshaft (DOHC), four valves per cylinder, and sequential multi‑point fuel injection. Output ranges from 74–77 kW (101–105 PS) with torque between 130–136 Nm, providing responsive urban performance with improved fuel efficiency over earlier SOHC units.
Fitted to compact models such as the Corsa C, Corsa D, and Meriva A, the A 14 XER was engineered for cost‑effective daily driving with enhanced refinement and emissions control. Emissions compliance was achieved through electronic throttle control, exhaust gas recirculation (EGR), and a three‑way catalytic converter, allowing adherence to Euro 4 standards throughout most of its production, with Euro 5 compliance in later builds under UK VCA type approval.
One documented concern is premature wear of the timing chain tensioner due to marginal oil pressure at cold start. This issue, referenced in Vauxhall Engineering Bulletin EB‑07‑18, stems from the compact oil gallery feeding the tensioner piston in early castings. From 2009 onward, revised tensioner housings with improved oil feed paths were introduced to enhance durability.
Production years 2005–2008 meet Euro 4 standards; 2009–2013 models meet Euro 5 depending on market (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5687).
The Vauxhall A 14 XER is a 1,399 cc inline‑four naturally aspirated petrol engine engineered for compact hatchbacks and MPVs (2005–2013). It combines DOHC 16‑valve architecture with sequential multi‑point fuel injection to deliver responsive low‑to‑mid range torque and smooth urban drivability. Designed to meet Euro 4 and Euro 5 emissions standards, it balances performance, efficiency, and regulatory compliance through precise electronic engine management.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,399 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol | |
| Configuration | Inline‑4, DOHC, 16‑valve | |
| Aspiration | Naturally aspirated | |
| Bore × stroke | 77.8 mm × 73.4 mm | |
| Power output | 74–77 kW (101–105 PS) | |
| Torque | 130–136 Nm @ 4,000–4,400 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Sequential multi‑point fuel injection (Bosch ME7.9.7) | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 4 (2005–2008); Euro 5 (2009–2013) | |
| Compression ratio | 10.5:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water‑cooled | |
| Turbocharger | None | |
| Timing system | Chain-driven dual overhead camshafts | |
| Oil type | SAE 5W‑30 (ACEA A3/B4 or GM‑LL‑A‑025) | |
| Dry weight | 102 kg |
The DOHC 16‑valve design enables responsive throttle response ideal for city driving but requires precise oil quality to protect the timing chain tensioner. Use of SAE 5W‑30 ACEA A3/B4 or GM‑LL‑A‑025 oil is essential—lower-spec oils accelerate tensioner wear. Early tensioners (pre‑2009) are prone to failure under cold starts; replacement with post‑2009 revised units per Engineering Bulletin EB‑07‑18 is advised during rebuilds. Ethanol‑free fuel is recommended to preserve injector seals and reduce carbon buildup on intake valves.
Oil Specs: Requires SAE 5W‑30 meeting ACEA A3/B4 or GM‑LL‑A‑025 (Vauxhall Owner’s Handbook 2006). Critical for timing chain lubrication.
Emissions: Euro 4 certification applies to 2005–2008 models; Euro 5 applies to 2009–2013 models (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5687).
Power Ratings: Measured under DIN 70020 standards. Output varies by ECU calibration and market (Vauxhall TIS Doc. A8850).
Vauxhall Technical Information System (TIS): Docs A8850, A8855, EB‑07‑18
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/5687)
DIN 70020 Engine Power Measurement Standard
The Vauxhall A 14 XER was used across Vauxhall's T-Car and Zafira A platforms with transverse mounting and no external licensing. This engine received platform-specific adaptations—revised engine mounts in the Meriva and modified intake manifolds in the Corsa D—and from 2009 the updated timing tensioner design improved reliability, creating minor interchange limits. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped on the front face of the cylinder block near the timing cover (Vauxhall TIS A8850). The code 'A14XER' is cast into the block and may be accompanied by a production date stamp. Pre-2009 units have a black plastic tensioner housing with a single oil feed orifice; post-2009 versions feature a grey housing with dual feed ports. The intake manifold bears a '1.4 16V' label. All A14XER blocks share the same bellhousing pattern as other Family 0 engines.
The A 14 XER's primary reliability risk is timing chain tensioner wear in pre‑2009 builds, with elevated incidence in vehicles subjected to frequent cold starts or short urban trips. Vauxhall internal service data from 2010 noted chain-related warranty claims in ~12% of early A14XER engines before 90,000 km, while UK DVSA MOT records link timing noise to this design flaw. Extended oil change intervals and incorrect oil viscosity accelerate wear, making oil specification and tensioner integrity critical.
Analysis derived from Vauxhall technical bulletins (2005–2013) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2010–2020). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about VAUXHALL A-14-XER.
Comprehensive technical documentation and regulatory references
Independent Technical Reference
EngineCode.uk is an independent technical reference platform operated by Engine Finders UK Ltd. We are not affiliated with VAUXHALL or any other manufacturer. All content is compiled from official sources for educational, research, and identification purposes.
Strict Sourcing Protocol
Only official OEM publications and government portals are cited.
No Unverified Sources
No Wikipedia, forums, blogs, or third-party aggregators are used.
Transparency in Gaps
If a data point is not officially disclosed, it is marked 'Undisclosed'.
Regulatory Stability
EU regulations are referenced using CELEX identifiers for long-term stability.
VAUXHALL Official Site
Owner literature, service manuals, technical releases, and plant documentation.
EUR-Lex
EU emissions and type-approval regulations (e.g., CELEX:32007R0715, CELEX:32017R1151).
GOV.UK: Vehicle Approval & V5C
UK vehicle approval processes, import rules, and MoT guidance.
DVLA: Engine Changes & MoT
Official guidance on engine swaps and inspection implications.
Vehicle Certification Agency (VCA)
UK type-approval authority for automotive products.
Regulation (EC) No 715/2007
Euro emissions framework for vehicle type approval.
Commission Regulation (EU) 2017/1151
WLTP and RDE testing procedures for emissions certification.
GOV.UK: Vehicle Approval
UK compliance and certification requirements for imported and modified vehicles.
VCA Certification Portal
Type-approval guidance and documentation.
Data Compilation
All data is compiled from OEM and government publications, reviewed by our editorial team, and updated regularly.
Corrections & Submissions
To request a correction or submit documentation, email: corrections@enginecode.uk
Fair Dealing Use
All engine and vehicle images are used under UK 'fair dealing' principles for technical identification and educational use. Rights remain with their respective owners.
Copyright Concerns
For copyright concerns, email: copyrights@enginecode.uk
GDPR Compliance
EngineCode.uk complies with UK GDPR. We do not collect personal data unless explicitly provided.
Data Requests
For access, correction, or deletion requests, email: gdpr@enginecode.uk
Trademark Notice
All trademarks, logos, and engine codes are the property of their respective owners. Use on this site is strictly for reference and identification.
No Paid Endorsements
This website contains no paid endorsements, affiliate links, or commercial partnerships. We do not sell parts or services.
Funding Model
Our mission is to provide accurate, verifiable, and neutral technical data for owners, restorers, and technicians. This site is self-funded.
All specifications and compatibility data verified against officialVAUXHALL documentation and EU/UK regulatory texts. Where official data is unavailable, entries are marked “Undisclosed“ .
All external links open in new tabs. Please verify current availability of resources.
